Where can I find the random encounter with the stranded prospector?
The stranded prospector is one of the many random encounters in Red Dead Redemption 2 that can reward players with unique items and gold. This encounter involves a man who has been stranded in the wilderness and needs help retrieving his stolen gold. To find this event, you need to explore specific areas in the game world, particularly in the mountainous regions of Ambarino and the Grizzlies.\n\nTo trigger the stranded prospector encounter, you must travel to the area around Cattail Pond, which is located northwest of Valentine and northeast of Wallace Station. This is a remote, mountainous region with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. The prospector can appear near the river or along the trails leading to Cattail Pond. Keep an eye out for a man sitting on the ground, looking distressed, and calling out for help.\n\nWhen you approach the prospector, he will explain that his gold was stolen by a group of thieves who left him stranded. He will ask you to retrieve his gold, which is hidden in a nearby cave. The cave is located just south of Cattail Pond, near the river. You will need to navigate through the rocky terrain to find the entrance. Be prepared for a fight, as the thieves are still guarding the cave.\n\nOnce inside the cave, you will encounter two or three enemies. Use your weapons to eliminate them, but be cautious of the tight spaces and limited cover. After defeating the thieves, search the cave for a small gold nugget. This is the prospector''s stolen gold, and you can return it to him to complete the encounter. The prospector will reward you with a small amount of money and a unique item, such as a piece of jewelry.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating the cave. The entrance can be difficult to spot, especially in the dense fog or during nighttime. To make it easier, use your Eagle Eye ability to highlight the cave entrance and any nearby enemies. Additionally, bring a reliable weapon like a repeater or shotgun to handle the close-quarters combat inside the cave.\n\nAnother tip is to save your game before approaching the prospector. Random encounters can sometimes glitch or fail to trigger properly, so having a recent save ensures you can retry if something goes wrong. If the prospector does not appear, try leaving the area and returning later, as random encounters often require specific conditions or timing to activate.\n\nFor experienced players, this encounter is a great way to earn extra gold and unique items early in the game. New players should take their time exploring the area and use the opportunity to practice combat and navigation in challenging terrain. Remember to loot the thieves'' bodies for additional supplies, as they often carry valuable items like ammunition and tonics.\n\nIn summary, the stranded prospector encounter is a rewarding random event that can be found near Cattail Pond in Ambarino. Approach the distressed man, retrieve his stolen gold from a nearby cave, and return it to him for a reward. Use Eagle Eye to locate the cave, save your game beforehand, and be prepared for combat. This encounter is a great way to earn gold and practice your skills in Red Dead Redemption 2.